Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

Despite turnover problem, Antonio Pierce defends Raiders rookie QB

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 11/20/23

Although Las Vegas' Aidan O'Connell struggled in a Week 11 loss to the Miami Dolphins, Raiders interim head coach Antonio Pierce isn't pointing the finger at the rookie quarterback.

"So, it's a team effort. It's a team disappointment as well. It's not on Aidan — we didn't lose that game because of Aidan, let's get that straight," Pierce said in a Monday news conference.

In the 20-13 loss, the fourth-round pick out of Purdue completed 24-of-41 passes for 271 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions — all in the second half. On the Raiders' last possession, O'Connell threw an interception to Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey with 22 seconds remaining in the game.

The game-winning INT!

: #LVvsMIA on @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/YWlr0nxHkZ
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) November 19, 2023

O'Connell has had ball security issues throughout the season. In five games, the 25-year-old has thrown six interceptions and three TDs. However, Pierce insists he will reduce turnovers.

"But Aidan does know he needs to take better care of the ball," Pierce said. "That's the quarterback's No. 1 job, and we'll get better at that."

The Raiders (5-6) are still in the playoff hunt but need more from their offense. Since O'Connell replaced Jimmy Garoppolo in Week 9, they've averaged 19.6 points per game. If Las Vegas misses the postseason for a second straight year, it will prove O'Connell isn't the future franchise QB.

Unless O'Connell steps up, the Raiders should consider drafting a signal-caller in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The 33rd Team's Connor Livesay recently predicted the Raiders will select Louisiana State's Jayden Daniels with the 14th overall pick.

"Daniels has entered into the Heisman conversation with his play this season," Livesay wrote of the selection. "And the Raiders would get some excellent value here with an ascending QB prospect."

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